(Bangkoksite Photos taken on
December 25, 1999
and digital photos taken on Feb. 16, 2002
and lately on May 5, 2008)
Wat
Chaiwatthanaram (วัดไชยวัฒนาราม)
Wat
Chaiwatthanaram, one of the most imposing ancient Buddhist
monasteries, was established by the command of King Prasatthong
in 1630 A.D. It is believed that the wat is located on the site of
his former home. The reason for building this monastery was to
make merit for his mother. Prince Damrong Rachanuphap noted
that its architecture was similar to that of Angkor Wat and inferred
that the wat might have been built to commemorate the king's
victory over Cambodia.
This wat consists of a main prang (Khmer-type tower) and four
lesser prangs, all created on the same base ans surrounded by
eight lesser prangs and a gallery.
